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EDNITA NAZARIO, "CANDY" MALDONADO, JEIMY OSORIO, ARECIBO, ANDY MONTAÑEZ AND MORE AT THE NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE 2016

Monday, April 25th, 2016, San Juan, PR - The National Puerto Rican Day

Parade announced today that international singer Nazario will be the

Grand Marshall of this year's celebration, scheduled for Sunday, June 12th, on

Fifth Avenue in New York City.

In a press conference held at Taller de Fotoperiodismo, a not-for-profit organization in the Puerta de Tierra section of San Juan, the Parade's Organizing Committee also announced that the Parade's 2016 Godmother will be actress and TV personality Giselle Blondet. This year's Lifetime Achievement in Sports Recognition will be awarded to legendary baseball player Cándido "Candy" Maldonado.

The 2016 dedication will go to the town of Arecibo (50 miles west of San Juan). The town's delegation will be led by Fundación Quinto Centenario de Arecibo (Quincentennial Foundation of Arecibo), chaired by Félix Rosario.

Actress Jeimy Osorio, from the hit television series "Celia", will march as "Outstanding Boricua", and legendary Salsa singer Andy Montañez will receive the 2016 recognition for Lifetime Achievement in Music.

Larry Lugo, CEO of Indulac, one of 's leading milk-product manufacturers, will be recognized as a Corporate Honoree during the Parade's Gala, which is held annually leading up to the Parade, also in New York.

"This year is very important for Puerto Rico and for our organization", said Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, chairperson of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP). "We have to show that despite the fiscal crisis in Puerto Rico, Puerto Ricans remain united in the search for solutions and continuing to highlight culture, heritage and values, as a bridge that unifies and inspires us toward the future."

In a message sent to the Parade's organizers this morning, said: "I feel very honored and happy to be named Grand Marshal of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. I had previously participated as Godmother and special guest, and it is one of the most emotional experiences that I have ever had. The display of pride in our community, is one of the most compelling and beautiful things that any of us can experiencie. I hope to see you all soon! Viva Puerto Rico! Viva New York!".

Félix Rosario, from Fundación Quinto Centenario de Arecibo, said: "At times of crisis, we should do our best to showcase our island and our people. I am honored to take part in ensuring that Arecibo has a strong representation on Fifth Avenue, and that our history, people and tourist attractions, are in the spotlight."

Rosario reported that Arecibo's delegation will include six floats and approximately 300 people, representing at least 7 community organizations. Also, during the press conference today, the Foundation presented a recognition to noted Puerto Rican Journalist Miguel Díaz Román.

The 2016 Parade will also honor outstanding Puerto Rican students and professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Students Francisco Proskaueh Valerio, from the THASIS School in Dorado township (who broke the curve in the Spanish Culture and Language AP Exam, administered by the College Board), and Danita Vázquez, from the Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matemáticas y Tecnología de Caguas , Puerto Rico's National Chess Champion and the first woman ever to win the prestigious International Chess Tournament in San Sebastian, Spain) are among the students and professionals, winners of international competitions who will be recognized as"Rising Stars" on Fifth Avenue.

With this recognition, the Parade's committee seeks to highlight the talent and skills of Puerto Rican students and professionals, to help promote economic development and investment in the different industries on the island. The achievements of these Puerto Ricans in STEM is an inspiration that in Puerto Rico, even amid the economic crisis, there is achievement and good local news going on, and that there is a whole generation of Puerto Ricans who do and give their best, to move the island forward.

Similarly, the Parade will recognize family unity, and the landmark enactment of the Article 68 of Puerto Rico's Civil Code, known as the Puerto Rico Marriage Equality Act, enacted in June 2015 and upheld by a court this month.

The Parade's 2016 Postumous recognitions will include Arecibo-natives Luisa Capetillo (1879-1922, women's and labor rights advocate), René Marqués (1919-1979, playwright, novelist and screenwriter) and Mirta Silva (1927-1987, singer, songwriter and producer). The Parade will announce additional posthumous recognitions in upcoming weeks.

Salsa singer Andy Montañez, 2016 Lifetime Achievement in Music honoree, who was present at today's press conference, will perform at the Parade's Gala Fundraiser in New York, on Friday, June 10, 2016 at the Hilton Hotel in New York. That weekend, on Saturday, June 11th at 8:00 PM, he will join other Salsa-music legends to perform at the 32nd New York Salsa Festival, at Brooklyn's Barclays Center.

The 59th edition of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade will take place on New York City's Fifth Avenue, Sunday June 12, starting at 11:00 AM. The event will be carried live for the first time through WABC-TV (Channel 7 in NYC) and streamed online at www.abc7ny.com. The live cast will begin at 12:00 PM through 4:00 PM. For more information about the Parade, participant applications, Scholarship Fund and other data, visit www.nprdpinc.org.

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National Puerto Rican Day Parade 2016 Main Events

1st Annual Golf Outing (check ticket-office) Monday, May 23, 2016 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Annual Presentation of Scholarships & Educational Leadership Awards (by invitation only) Thursday, May 26, 2016 6:00 PM

152nd Street Cultural Festival Saturday, May 28, 2016 152nd Street and Jackson Avenue, Bronx 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

The Guardians of Loisaida - Exhibit opening, honoring artist Edgardo Miranda- Rodríguez, creator of the comics series "The Guardians of Loisaida", by Marvel. Saturday, May 28, 2016 The Loisaida Center 710 East 9th Street, Lower Manhattan 1:00 PM

Annual Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral Sunday, June 5, 2016 51st Street and Fifth Avenue 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Gala and Banquet in Benefit of Scholarship Fund (Ticket holders only) Friday, June 10, 2016 6:00 PM

32nd New York Salsa Festival Saturday, June 11, 2016 Barclays Center, Brooklyn 8:00 PM

2016 National Puerto Rican Day Parade Sunday, June 12, 2016 Fifth Avenue, From 44th Street to 79th Street, Manhattan 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM